Coronavirus (COVID-19) Announcements & Resources

ORLA continues to work on behalf of Oregon's hospitality industry to provide advocacy, information and resources to help mitigate the negative impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19). With the fluid nature of this situation, ORLA encourages hospitality industry members to stay informed by subscribing to emails and following the CEO Blog. To receive push notifications with updates including actions you can take to assist us in representing your interests, text “ORLA” to 52886. 
​RESOURCES & INFORMATION

​Vaccines
The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Law Center has shared the following resource as a best practice and should not be construed as legal advice: Restaurant Guidance: Legal Issues to Consider Regarding COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccine Policies. Restaurants should encourage all employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. This document addresses legal questions raised by those wanting to go the extra step by mandating the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment.

SAIF developed a Q&A that provides answers to your questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, including employee mandates, coverage, and how to provide resources to your employees. Read more on SAIF.com.

Outdoor Dining
OHA guidance provides that, “outdoor” means any open-air space including any space which may have a temporary or fixed cover (e.g. awning or roof) and at least seventy-five percent of the square footage of its sides open for airflow. ORLA is in active discussions with the Oregon Fire Marshall’s Office (OFMO) to ensure our industry has the guidance necessary to provide safe outdoor dining space. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's office has provided the following resources for providing safe outdoor spaces:
Restaurant-Specific Resources
Lodging-Specific Resources
Health, Safety & Sanitation​
Information on Face Mask / Coverings
General Employer Resources 
Other Resources​
QUICK LINKS

- Announcements & Resources
​​- Commitment to Safety Checklists
​​- FAQ
​- Federal Action / CARES Act
- Guest Check-In Statement/Lodging (pdf)
​- Keep Our Communities Fed (To-Go/Retail)
​- ORLA CEO Updates
- ORLA Relief Efforts
​- Reducing Food Waste Resources
- Relief Available for Employers & Employees
- Sanitation Cards (pdf)
​ORLA Updates:
  • Dec. 3, 2020 - As part of the $55 million in CARES Act funding, Oregon counties are distributing Small Business Relief Funds based on eligibility criteria. Businesses need to act fast and contact counties for applications.
  • Nov. 6, 2020 - Governor Brown's announcement has us deeply concerned. It was announced there will be a new 2-week restriction on restaurants effective Wednesday, November 11 in the following counties: Jackson, Umatilla, Malheur, Marion, and Multnomah Counties. Read ORLA's CEO blog and the press release in response
  • Sept. 22, 2020 - ORLA provided testimony featuring the latest economic impact data from Oregon’s hospitality industry. Testimony focused on the importance of a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding from the federal government while also working with state leaders to safely get to Phase Two reopening status for Oregon’s remaining 5 counties still in Phase One.
  • Sept. 10, 2020 - ORLA is hosting Elected Leader Listening Sessions for members to talk with lawmakers to help them better understand the challenges facing Oregon’s vast collection of restaurant and lodging operations during COVID-19. Our collective voice will prove important in doing whatever we can to keep Oregon’s hospitality industry on the radar with the time and attention it deserves in public forums.

LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS & EMERGENCY ORDERS​
  • [11.17.20 - State of Oregon] - Governor Kate Brown announces $55 million in financial assistance to support Oregon businesses
  • [11.17.20 - State of Oregon] - Governor Kate Brown issues Executive Order on the temporary freeze to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19
  • [11.6.20 - State of Oregon] - Governor Kate Brown announces two-week pause that reduces maximum restaurant capacity to 50 people indoors and groups no larger than 6 people to help stop spread of virus in selected counties. (ORLA response)
  • [10.27.20 - State of Oregon] - Governor Brown extended her declaration of a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for an additional 60 days, until January 2, 2021.
  • [10.22.20 - Oregon Health Authority] - OHA issues new guidance for bowling alleys and skating rinks.
  • [10.19.20 - State of Oregon] - Effective 10/19: Oregon Health Authority now requires employers to provide masks, face coverings or face shields for employees and recommends wearing a face covering/mask instead of a face shield (except in limited situations).​